The B.I.T.E. Model of Mind Control Cults

Steven Hassan's BITE model details the manipulative mind control methods used to allure new recruits and to keep members trapped, by controlling Behavior, Information, Thoughts, and Emotions. The term “undue influence” is an alternate term for “mind control.” It should be noted that “mind control” should not be confused with “brainwashing,” because brainwashing is forced upon the victim, as in prostitution rings, while mind control is established subtly upon the victim as they cooperate with their leader. It is important to understand that destructive mind control can be determined when the overall effect of the BITE model’s four components promotes dependency and obedience to some leader or cause. Also, it should be noted, oftentimes it is difficult to determine at first acquaintance whether or not a person is under the mind control of a certain leader or group.


BEHAVIOR CONTROL

·  Regulation of individual's physical reality, for example, what clothes, colors, hairstyles the person wears

·  Major time commitment required for indoctrination sessions and group rituals

·  Individualism discouraged; "group think" prevails

·  Rigid rules and regulations

·  Need for obedience and dependency

INFORMATION CONTROL

·  Use of deception

• Deliberately holding back information
• Distorting information to make it more "acceptable"
• Outright lying

·  Access to non-cult sources of information minimized or discouraged

• Books, articles, newspapers, magazines, TV, radio
• Critical information
• Former members
• Keep members so busy they don't have time to think and check things out.

·  Compartmentalization of information; Outsider vs. Insider doctrines

• Information is not freely accessible
• Information varies at different levels and missions within pyramid
• Leadership decides who "needs to know" what and when

·  Spying and reporting on other members

·  Extensive use of cult generated information and propaganda

• Newsletters, magazines, journals, audio tapes, videotapes, and other media
• Misquotations, statements taken out of context from non-cult sources

·  Confession


THOUGHT CONTROL

·  Need to internalize the group's doctrine as "Truth"

·  Black and White thinking - Good vs. Evil, us vs. them, inside vs. outside

·  Use of "loaded" language (for example, "thought-terminating clichés"). Words are the tools we use to think with. These "special" words constrict rather than expand understanding, and can even stop thoughts altogether. They function to reduce complexities of experience into trite, platitudinous "buzz words."

·  Only "good" and "proper" thoughts are encouraged.

·  No critical questions about leader, doctrine, or policy seen as legitimate

·  No alternative belief systems viewed as legitimate, good, or useful

EMOTIONAL CONTROL

·  Make the person feel that if there are ever any problems, it is always their fault, never the leader's or the group's.

• Excessive use of guilt
• Excessive use of fear
• Fear of thinking independently
• Fear of the "outside" world
• Fear of enemies
• Fear of losing one's "salvation"
• Fear of leaving the group or being shunned by group
• Fear of disapproval

·  Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about ever leaving the group or even questioning the leader's authority. The person under mind control cannot visualize a positive, fulfilled future without being in the group.

• No happiness or fulfillment outside of the group
• Terrible consequences will take place if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc.
• Shunning of leave takers; fear of being rejected by friends, peers, and family
• Never a legitimate reason to leave. From the group's perspective, people who leave are "weak," "undisciplined," "unspiritual," "worldly," "brainwashed by family or counselor," or "seduced by money, sex, rock and roll."

For additional information on the BITE Model feel free to visit the following links:
http://www.freedomofmind.com/Info/BITE/bitemodel.php
http://vimeo.com/58511985